Woman, live-in boyfriend given probation for thefts from employers

LOCKPORT – A Newfane woman and her live-in boyfriend appeared before Niagara County Judge Matthew J. Murphy III Tuesday for sentencing over thefts from their former employers.

Christine Gardner, 42, of West Avenue, was placed on seven months of interim probation, pending a final sentencing decision for fourth-degree grand larceny. Gardner was ordered to begin paying restitution at a rate of at least $4,200 a month to the McCarty Insurance Agency, from which she stole $10,153.60 while working there in August and September 2012.

Ricahrd E. Cavagnaro, 45, was restored to five years’ probation by Murphy after having violated its terms. The Erie County District Attorney’s Office said Cavagnaro pleaded guilty in December to fourth-degree grand larceny for stealing $7,500 worth of building materials, including copper, from one of his employer’s job sites in Erie County.

Murphy said he has no evidence to prove it, but he wondered if Cavagnaro suggested that Gardner commit her thefts.

“It’s suspicious to me that he stole money from his employer and you stole money from your employer,” Murphy told Gardner.